Checkpointer is a local web tool for managing game emulator backups, notes, and quick launching on Linux-based systems like Ubuntu. It uses a lightweight PHP interface, bash scripts, and Markdown notes to help automate emulator configuration and backup management. A fullscreen Python-based launcher is included for launching favourite games.
- Run and restore emulator backups (with retention limit)
- Track key config files and folders
- Fullscreen launcher for keyboard-based game launching
- Launch emulators and platforms via structured presets
- Store searchable Markdown-based notes
- Scriptable and fully offline
| Path | Purpose |
|---|---|
public/ |
Web root (served by Apache) |
scripts/ |
Bash scripts for backup/restore |
config/settings.conf |
App configuration |
config/tracked_paths.json |
Paths to include in backup |
storage/snapshots/ |
Compressed backups stored here |
notes/ |
Markdown-based knowledgebase |
assets/icons/ |
Game launcher icons |
launcher/ |
Python-based fullscreen game launcher |
The Python launcher (in launcher/) is a fullscreen grid-based UI that supports keyboard navigation. It reads from a structured games.json config file and supports launching across a variety of platforms:
Supported launchers:
- RetroArch with core detection
- Flatpak-based PPSSPP
- Steam game IDs
- Wine executables
- DOSBox for classic PC games
- Web (games launched in browser)
Customize the game list in:
config/games.json
To automate daily backups:
- Open your crontab:
crontab -e